Understand Different Types of Scars & Available Treatment Options

Scars are a natural part of the body's healing process. They can develop after acne, surgery, injury, burns or skin trauma and vary considerably in appearance depending on how the skin heals.

Some scars may appear raised, while others may look indented, discoloured or uneven. The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the type of scar, its location, your skin type and your individual assessment.

At Mode Aesthetics, we offer a range of non-surgical treatments that may assist in improving the appearance of certain scars. In some cases, surgical scar revision may also be appropriate. During your consultation, we'll assess your scar and discuss the treatment options that may be suitable for your individual circumstances.

Acne Scars

Acne scarring can occur when inflammation damages deeper layers of the skin during the healing process. Acne scars may appear as shallow depressions, deeper pitted scars or uneven skin texture.

Treatment recommendations depend on the type and severity of the scarring.

Treatments that may be considered

DOT Therapy

Microneedling

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Chemical Peel

CoolPeel

In many cases, a staged treatment plan using more than one modality may be recommended, depending on your clinical assessment. Fractional CO₂ laser treatments such as DOT Therapy may be considered for suitable candidates to support collagen remodelling and improve skin texture, while microneedling and PRP may also be incorporated into an individual treatment plan.

Surgical Scars

Surgical scars develop after an incision heals. Their appearance varies depending on the procedure, genetics, skin type and healing response.

Examples include:

Breast surgery scars

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) scars

Caesarean section scars

Skin lesion removal

Orthopaedic surgery scars

Treatments that may be considered

DOT Therapy

CoolPeel

Microneedling

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

For some patients, surgical scar revision performed by a specialist plastic surgeon may be more appropriate than non-surgical treatment.

For scars following cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, or where a scar is wide, tethered or poorly positioned, you may also wish to learn more about Scar Revision Surgery available through Mode Plastic Surgery.

Caesarean (C-Section) Scars

Caesarean section scars are one of the most common surgical scars.

Some people are concerned about:

Redness

Firmness

Thickened scar tissue

Texture changes

A scar that appears tethered to underlying tissue

Depending on your assessment, treatment options may include:

DOT Therapy

Microneedling

PRP

Where a scar causes significant tethering or cosmetic concern, referral for assessment by a plastic surgeon may be appropriate.

Stretch Marks (Striae)

Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches rapidly, commonly during pregnancy, growth spurts or weight changes.

Although stretch marks are not technically scars in the traditional sense, they represent changes within the deeper layers of the skin.

Treatment options that may be discussed include:

DOT Therapy

Microneedling

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

These treatments may be considered for suitable candidates to support collagen remodelling and improve overall skin texture.

Trauma and Injury Scars

Cuts, lacerations and other injuries may leave visible scars after healing.

Depending on the scar characteristics, treatment options may include:

DOT Therapy

CoolPeel

Microneedling

The timing of treatment depends on how the wound has healed and whether the scar has fully matured.

Burn Scars

Burn injuries may heal with changes in colour, texture or skin thickness.

Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of the original injury and the appearance of the healed scar.

During your consultation, we'll determine whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate or whether referral for specialist management is recommended.

Potential treatment options may include:

DOT Therapy

Microneedling

Raised (Hypertrophic) and Keloid Scars

Some scars heal by producing excess collagen, resulting in raised scars.

These scars differ from indented acne scars and often require a different management approach.

Following assessment, your practitioner will discuss whether treatment is appropriate or whether referral to another specialist is recommended.

Scar Texture and Skin Quality

Even when a scar has fully healed, changes in skin texture, colour and overall skin quality may remain.

Depending on your assessment, treatments that may be incorporated into a personalised treatment plan include:

DOT Therapy

CoolPeel

Microneedling

Chemical Peel

Red LED Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Different treatments target different aspects of scar appearance, which is why combination treatment plans are commonly considered.

When is Scar Revision Surgery Considered?

While many scars may be managed with non-surgical treatments, some scars are better suited to surgical revision.

Scar revision surgery may be considered where a scar is:

Wide

Raised

Tethered

Causing restricted movement

Poorly positioned

The result of previous surgery or trauma

If your concerns relate to a scar that may benefit from surgery, you can learn more about Scar Revision Surgery on the Mode Plastic Surgery website or discuss a referral during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all scars be treated?

Not every scar is suitable for every treatment. The most appropriate option depends on the type of scar, its maturity, your skin type and your individual assessment.

Which treatment is best for acne scars?

There is no single treatment suitable for all acne scars. Depending on the type of scarring, your clinician may discuss treatments such as DOT Therapy, Microneedling, PRP, Chemical Peels or a combination approach.

Can older scars still be treated?

Some mature scars may be suitable for treatment. Your practitioner will assess the scar and discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

When should I consider surgery instead of laser treatment?

Some scars respond better to surgical revision than skin resurfacing treatments. If your scar is tethered, widened or causing functional concerns, assessment by a plastic surgeon may be appropriate.